Former Wolverine O'Connor Passes Away
6/1/2015 12:00:00 AM | Men's Swimming & Diving
Michael O'Connor
• Obituary
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The University of Michigan men's swimming and diving family mourns the loss of former men's swimmer Michael O'Connor (1967-69), who passed away last Friday (May 29) at the age of 68. O'Connor, who swam for legendary swim coach Gus Stager, was an NCAA All-American in 1968.
A native of Grosse Pointe, O'Connor was an established coach at Oakland University, Fitzgerald Swim Club, Grosse Pointe Swim Club and at Pointe Aquatics, where he coached current women's swimmers Ali DeLoof and Gabby DeLoof. He was also head boys and girls swimming coach at Grosse Pointe North High School.
"When I think back on my four years at Michigan, the four best years of my life, I realize that I have a lot to be thankful for, including fantastic teammates like Mike O'Connor," said teammate and fellow U-M alum Tim Sullivan. "He stands out as a person whose personality, determination and burning competitiveness made him unforgettable. I have no doubt that those qualities were front and center every day on the pool deck where Mike coached. I hope his swimmers know how lucky they were."
O'Connor is survived by his wife, Maureen, and his son, Mikey, who himself was a swimmer at Michigan (1997-2000).
